According to reports, Arizona State’s Athletic Director Steve Patterson will be taking over as the new Texas AD. Patterson’s camp had denied that he was interested in the job but it turns out Texas had not formally interviewed him or offered the position. From SI:
“It’s done,” said the Texas official.
Patterson, 55, holds both an undergraduate and a law degree from Texas. While he was still relatively anonymous as a collegiate administrator, his work in professional sports — in the NFL with the Texans (1997-2003), and in the NBA with the Rockets (1989-93) and the Trail Blazers (’03-07) — impressed school officials. His jobs with those franchises were senior vice president and chief development officer, general manager and team president, respectively.
Longhorns officials are said to have been impressed with Patterson’s marketing background and business experience. You also knew that if Texas came calling he would at least listen since he has both an undergrad and law degree from there. His business experience is great and all but we all know he will have one major job: get Texas football back to competing for national titles and the first step will be determining if Mack Brown should continue as coach.